If you think you’ve got what it takes to be the next “Weird Al” Yankovic then you could be in luck. The man himself is one of the judges at the 2008 International Songwriting Competition, which aims to unearth some fresh new musical talent and fill their pockets with cash.

A prize of $25,000 is on offer to the winner of the competition, and songs have to be submitted by October 15. Joining “Weird Al” on the judging panel is an eclectic bunch of stars, including Tom Waits, Robert Smith, Frank Black, and, um, Buckcherrry (whose songwriting talent memorably stretched to “I love the cocaine! I love the cocaine!” on their 1999 hit “Lit Up”). More details are available on the official International Songwriting Competition website. [NME]